Obtaining a U.S. Visa

This can be a lengthy and complex process, but PHP will complete all formalities on your behalf and pay all necessary associated fees. Your only requirement being to produce the necessary documentation required in a timely manner so that processing is not delayed.

At the present time, the only legal visa available to foreign Registered Nurses is the EB-3 Immigrant Visa, more commonly referred to as a "Green Card".

This visa permits you to live and work in the USA as a permanent resident of the United States, it is valid for an initial 10 years and is renewable. After five years as a holder of a Green Card, you may apply for naturalization to become a US citizen. Due to the large number of applicants applying for a Green Card, the process can take between 6 months to one year or even longer to complete after you have successfully obtained US RN licensure.

Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 years may be included on your Green Card petition and will become automatically eligible for Green Card processing, at no cost to you. This will enable your family members to also legally live and work in the US once you enter the United States.

PHP will sponsor you for your Green Card and submit all relevant forms and documentation to the US Immigration and Naturalization on your behalf. as well as paying for all applicable processing fees.

Once your Green Card petition is approved, PHP will advise you and forward a copy of the approval notice to you for your records, along with details of the next step in the procedure.

Approximately 4 weeks after the Green Card petition has been approved, you will receive a package of forms and instructions from the National Visa Center (NVC), this is called packet 3. On receipt, it is imperative that you contact your recruiter immediately so that you can be assisted and advised regarding the completion of these forms.

The completed package is then forwarded to the relevant US consulate for finalization and the obtaining of a current visa number.

Four to eight weeks after submission to the Consulate, you should receive notice of an interview appointment date for your Green Card interview. Again, call your recruiter immediately so that preparations can be made for completion of your final set of forms and a briefing set up to discuss your upcoming interview.

On successfull completion of the Green Card interview, the US consulate will issue the visa, and you are now ready to commence your initial assignment in the USA with Premier Healthcare Professionals.